What happens when you work your dogs is magical in a way -- You begin to view your couch-dogs
with a higher respect and sometimes, you find outstanding friendships and incredible
mentors. I look at every chance I get into the field as an opportunity to learn a little more
on how to "Protect, Preserve, and Work" the Jack Russell Terriers. I also believe that people
who work their dogs are responsible to share the knowledge they have gained with other terrier
owners that are interested.
I have been fortunate because in my relatively short time owning Jack Russells I was immediately
exposed to the JRTCA working terrier program. I bought Smoky Mountain Crash (my female) in
December of 1997. Her sire is Falling Branch David. I got Hills Dale Isaac (my male dog) in October 1998.
His dam is Hills Dale Witch Hazel. The people I got my dogs from all work their dogs regularly and have
done so for years. They also all have contacts throughout the country of other workers. It was almost
expected that I be brought in the hunt field with or without my dogs so that I could at least be
introduced to what these dogs are bred to do -- WORK!
After witnessing for the first time a dog enter the earth and work quarry, I was
basically hooked. I think that′s how it is for most people…once you
see for yourself just how scrappy these terriers are, how much they love to hunt,
and the bond it forms between owner and dog you WANT to go again the very
next day! I think every working person can remember the first time they
watched a dog work and the first time their dogs worked. The first dog I ever watched work was Smoky
Mountain Scout - she worked a groundhog and it was one of those events in life that you know is
supposed to be happening at that perfect moment. The first time Crash ever worked was shortly after
that in Virginia. She entered a sette that had been dug and was schooled on a Raccoon. It was and is
one of the best feelings to just hear your dog baying and working.
You might find that since you have the desire to work and hunt that maybe you will have to drive
some distance to hunt with other people. Every person who works their dogs does or has done this.
When you go to terrier trials, you could incorporate a hunting trip. Maybe you can surpass a dog trial
and just go hunting instead. Make a special trip to hunt or to participate
with others who are already on a hunt. My suggestion is to meet as many working people as possible
whether they are judges or not. Most of all, be sincere to the people and their other commitments.
Try to be considerate of the people you are setting up a hunt date with. Try to hold on to
the joy it brings you to work your dogs, to watch other dogs work, to preserve the working
instinct of this breed.
when i got hooked (1998)
earning nhc's (1999)
crash and isaac bronzed (2000)
bang! gets started (2001)
fun in 2002
working in 2003
